Sitting behind OPRF's Newscene anchor desk for the first time, all Michael Stevens could do, beyond sweating profusely, was mimic the style his favorite TV anchors, Matt Lauer and Katie Couric of Today Show fame.

After two years of training of faculty and staff, and educating parents about changes in curriculum, testing and classroom teaching, Oak Park's school districts are readying for the full implementation of the federal Common Core initiative this fall.

As director of Oak Park's Food Pantry Michelle Zurakowski has long wanted to run a summer food program for Oak Park's low-income kids. That's was finally able to happen this summer, thanks to a federal grant the pantry received this year.

Teacher contract talks at Oak Park elementary school District 97 will enter their eighth month, with the next bargaining session between administration, board and faculty union set for next Monday, Aug. 4.

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Forest Park July 26 for the funeral of West Side youth Shamiya Adams, 11, who died July 18 from injuries suffered from a stray gunshot while attending a friend's sleepover in East Garfield Park.